The main square of the city contains innumerable
temples and other marvelous architectural showpieces
like the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra
Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Batsala
temple and the Bell of Barking Dogs. An intriguing
part of this square is the fifteen-century Palace
of 55 windows. There is an entrance fee of Rs. 30
for SAARC nationals and Rs. 300 for other foreign
visitors.
Nyatpola Temple
King Bhupatindra Malla built this five-storey pagoda
in 1702 A.D. It stands in a five-terraced platform.
On each of the terraces squats a pair of figures:
two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two
griffins and Baghini and Singhini (the tiger and the
lion) goddesses. This is one of the tallest and is
famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
Bhairavnath Temple
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda
but later changed into a three storey temple in 1718
AD by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted
for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord
Bhairav- the god of Terror.
Dattatraya Square
The square takes its name from the Dattatreya temple
dedicated to a three-headed combination of the Hindu
deities Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva. Dattatreya square
is a perfect place to experience the feel of the traditional
urban layout of Bhaktapur. Set in a maze of streets
lined with richly ornamented houses, the square is
framed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known
as Math. The National Woodworking Museum is also housed
here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the
street.
Potter's Square
A two-minute walk south of Durbar Square brings you
to Bolachhen, also known as Potter's Square because
of the many potters seen here molding wet clay into
different kinds of earthenware. It has a display if
fresh pottery left out to dry in the open square.
This place can be approached from Taumadhi Square
also. The elephant-headed Lord Ganesh is the patron
of potters, thus the Jeth Ganesh temple in the square.